Analyzing moves made by the Yankees in the off-season and game recaps during the season.Banner/Layout courtesy of Zach Lasky.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

News and Notes- Granderson, Gardner Switch

There have been interesting developments from Yankee camp in the past week as full squad workouts have commenced. There is the prospect of a position change in the outfield involving Gardner and Granderson. Also, the starting rotation has already suffered an injury, and it is not one of the older guys.

Phil Hughes felt pain in his right shoulder on Monday. The Yankees sidelined him for a few days until they knew what was wrong with the free agent to-be starting pitcher. It turns out that Hughes was diagnosed with a bulging disc near his shoulder blade. Phil is taking anti-inflammatories for a few days and according to Brian Cashman, Hughes will be shut down for two weeks. It's better to suffer this kind of injury before the season starts, but it would have been better if this didn't transpire at all. The Yankees need Hughes to be that reliable number four starter. I'm sure Hughes is upset because he wants to make every last penny after he finishes out his current contract with the Yankees.

As I wrote about late last night, the Joe Girardi has decided to try out Curtis Granderson in left field while having Brett Gardner take fly balls in center. Granderson is the type of player who will never complain about something publicly, but I'm sure he isn't happy about finding this out this late into camp. Gardner is the better center fielder of the two players, and Girardi said that if he likes what he sees, he will keep the outfield that has Gardner in center and Granderson in left. Granderson has not played a game in left field since 2007, so it will take getting used to for him. Gardner has been regarded by many to be the better fielder of the two. It's only natural that this switch would happen eventually.

Girardi stated that Ivan Nova does not have a spot in the rotation, meaning that he will have to earn the number five spot after pitching himself off the postseason roster in 2012. Nova has an electric arm and knows how to pitch. I see him taking Girardi's words to heart and working hard to earn that spot in the rotation. Nova was humbled last year after considering himself to be one of the best pitchers in baseball. He lost the ability to keep the ball down, and got hammered in the second half.

The Yankees will begin their Spring Training season on Saturday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. David Phelps will get the ball in the first exhibition game of the Yankees pre-season. On Sunday, YES will broadcast the Yankees home opener at Steinbrenner Field at 1:05 with Adam Warren taking the ball.